Every December since 2008, members of UNESCO’s cultural committee meet to decide which of the world’s cultural traditions will be honored for the previous year. This year, 31 traditions were recognized by UNESCO, and 14 of them are in MIR’s destinations. Read More
With such astounding architectural brilliance, it’s no wonder that Samarkand still holds near mythical status for modern-day travelers. But while glittering mosques and madrassahs are important to understanding the rich history and artistic heritage of this stunning Silk Road city, your travel experiences in Samarkand will be much more rewarding and memorable when you veer a little off the beaten tourist track and dive right into the ways of everyday local life. Abdu Samadov, one of our expert tour managers, shares his favorite ways to explore the legendary UNESCO-listed oasis of Samarkand like a local. Read More
Two-thousand-year-old Kashgar is unlike any other place in China — brimming with intoxicating bazaars, vibrant street life, and a brilliant mosaic of cultures, flavors, and artistic traditions. With its maze-like Old Town and famous Sunday Animal Market, Kashgar still retains the exotic air and immense appeal of medieval Asia. But change is afoot. Controversial government redevelopment projects have already drastically transformed the look and feel of the Old Town, as city blocks have been demolished and replaced with modern buildings and tourist-friendly zones. More reconstruction efforts are slated for the future, so the time to experience Kashgar's mercantile spirit of old is now, before the city changes forever. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore this colorful and captivating Silk Road city. Read More
Born and raised in Samarkand, Abdu Samadov is full of inside information about Uzbekistan. He has studied in England and the U.S. and is fluent in English, Farsi, and Russian. Abdu guides MIR travelers throughout Central Asia and enjoys sharing his knowledge with other travelers. Here, Abdu offers his tips for how to explore the creative and cultural traditions of the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan’s heartland of agriculture and the arts. Read More
We caught up with MIR Tour Manager Abdu Samadov, who recently visited one of Uzbekistan’s renowned silk workshops in the Fergana Valley. While inside the studio, he captured this footage of a weaver creating a classic Uzbek silk fabric known as ikat. Take a brief look at the intricate process behind making these brilliant Silk Road textiles in this video. Read More
A memorable tour is one that widens your horizons, tickles your fancy and gives you something to think about. In each MIR trip you’ll experience at least one moment when you realize you’re learning something you’ve never known before. It might be about the history or habits of a place, or it might be how to make or do something grand. These moments are precious, and they can happen at any time or place. They will surely happen when you travel with MIR. Read More
For more than 20 years, five Georgian artists have been creating textiles, showcasing their own and others' textile arts and crafts, and teaching children and adults in their La Maison Bleue Craft Studio in Tbilisi. Read More
Iran’s fabulous bazaars, amazing archaeological sites, and unfailingly warm and friendly people are favorites of intrepid travelers and media outlets. Discover for yourself why it deserves a place at the top of any traveler’s list. Read More
Long-time MIR tour manager and world traveler Michel Behar browses the bazaars whenever he travels to Iran, and has returned home to the Netherlands with some beautiful finds. Here he shares some of his favorite Persian souvenirs. Read More
The labyrinthine Urgut Market in Samarkand, Uzbekistan appears to be an ordinary covered bazaar selling housewares, clothing and necessities. Read More
The Iran Traveling Center recently interviewed Joanna Millick, MIR Director of Sales, for a blog post entitled “Things to Know Before Traveling to Iran,” which provides a comprehensive overview designed to help travelers plan and prepare for an Iran trip of their own. The post highlights reasons why Millick, who’s led several tours to Iran, loves this incredible country.“I love the amazing archaeological sites, the beautiful and diverse terrain, great food, great shopping, quality roads and hotels – but the biggest draw is the friendly people. I feel it’s one of those places that you should visit before you form an opinion.”Read the full post on the Iran Traveling Center’s website.
Uzbekistan is already extremely appealing, with its domed mosques and madrassahs clad in vivid ceramic tiles, and with the en... Read more
MIR’s one-of-a-kind exploration of the Russian space program has gotten a starring role in several media outlets recently, ... Read more
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